Happy 4th of July! In Episode 57, the hosts catch up after a break and discuss some feedback, including one listener/viewer who asks the hosts to share something that listeners might not know about themselves. Then Lucien leads a Deep Dive into the return of Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia. He's back! While the price tag is massive, it is very likely worth every penny for Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is experiencing an extraordinary phase of growth, with undertakings that reinforce its global presence and soft power. The landmark decision for Cristiano Ronaldo to continue his career at Al Nasser - with a staggering price tag - is not merely about football; it's a strategic investment in soft power, one that so far has paid off in measurable and immeasurable ways for the Kingdom. Ronaldo, a global icon with unparalleled influence, enhances the Saudi Pro League's reputation and draws international attention to the kingdom's transformation. He’s also added a real-world dollar value boost to the Kingdom’s diversification goals - one that Lucien attempts to calculate in the Deep Dive.

Ronaldo’s original move to Saudi Arabia catalyzed an influx of other renowned players like Benzema, Neymar, and many more into the Saudi Pro League, significantly boosting its global profile. Broadcast reach has expanded dramatically, and sponsorship inflows have surged, underscoring football's capacity to act as a uniting force.

Beyond economic impacts, Ronaldo serves as an aspirational figure for Saudi Arabia’s youth. The kingdom can leverage his global visibility to promote fitness, discipline, and healthy living—cornerstones of a vibrant society envisioned in Vision 2030.

The hosts then get to the news including:

•Selfridges, now a PIF company, launches insider member’s only club

•Michelin Stars are coming to the Kingdom

•99 future culinary leaders graduate from the ZADK Culinary Arts Academy

•Expo 2030: A New Horizon in Riyadh, with PIF now on board

📈 The TWENTY30 is the #1 podcast on Saudi Arabia in English. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206

Get episodes and exclusive content delivered to your email inbox free:

https://thetwenty30.com

📧 You can also email the show’s hosts with their first names (Lucien @TheTWENTY30.com) or (Hanaa @thetwenty30.com) or email Hosts @ TheTwenty30.com.

The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.

Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation, is at the forefront of a growing esports movement in Saudi Arabia and globally. In the ever-evolving world of gaming, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a major player, actively positioning itself as a global hub for esports. This ambition is making waves worldwide, driven by a strategy backed by none other than His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince - an avid gamer himself.

Faisal joins hosts Hanaa Almoaibed and Lucien Zeigler on the TWENTY30 for an exclusive conversation about his work overseeing what is now the world's largest esports tournament held annually in Riyadh: the Esports World Cup, which runs from July to August in 2025. With a prize pool of $70m and millions globally expected to tune in or visit to watch live, the Kingdom is betting big on the new sector.

In the conversation with the TWENTY30, Faisal dives into the intricate ecosystem of organizations driving Saudi Arabia's esports goals. The Esports World Cup Foundation manages the global tournament and brand, while the Saudi Esports Federation handles local tournaments and talent development. Investment and infrastructure are supported by entities like the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and its subsidiaries focused on game development and esports operations. Together, they form a cohesive unit, aligning efforts to establish Saudi Arabia as a center for gaming and esports. integrating consumers and investors into this exciting ecosystem. By hosting diverse events, including the growing Esports World Cup, they aim to convert casual audiences into dedicated esports fans. These efforts are supported by a thriving network of local and international partners, ensuring that every event is a holistic celebration of gaming culture.

The hosts also ask Faisal about the real-world logistics of hosting the Esports World Cup. Organizing an event of this magnitude is no small feat. Faisal emphasized the importance of meticulous planning and execution, beginning a year in advance. With numerous tournaments, stages, and arenas to manage, the challenge is substantial.

After the interview with Faisal bin Homran, hosts Lucien and Hanaa catch up on some of the latest news, including some interesting stories from the recent Haj, Saudi big cats in DC, an expectation-breaking performance from the Saudi economy to start 2025, and much more.

📈 The TWENTY30 is the #1 podcast on Saudi Arabia in English. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206

Get episodes and exclusive content delivered to your email inbox free:

https://thetwenty30.com

📧 You can also email the show’s hosts with their first names (Lucien @TheTWENTY30.com) or (Hanaa @thetwenty30.com) or email Hosts @ TheTwenty30.com.

The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.

President and Chairwoman of the Saudi Mixed Martial Arts Federation join co-hosts Hanaa and Lucien for an exclusive interview, shedding light on her journey from being the first Saudi woman certified as a boxing coach to holding prominent positions in international sports organizations and her new role as head of the Saudi MMA Federation. Rasha talks with The TWENTY30 about the significant investments and strategies driving the growth in the sport, with ambitious plans under Vision 2030. The 4-time Guinness Book of World Records-holder was also recently named one of ADWEEK’s Most Powerful Women in Sports 2025.

Before the conversation, the hosts catch up on feedback on Episode 54, with viewers and listeners chiming in on US-Saudi relations. After the conversation with Rasha, the hosts catch up on some of the latest news, including "reports" that alcohol is coming to the Kingdom.

📈 The TWENTY30 is the #1 podcast on Saudi Arabia in English. Subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts:

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@thetwenty30

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0uuKNWrgbQPMBIx3XY6YGU

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-twenty30/id1742574206

Get episodes and exclusive content delivered to your email inbox free:

https://thetwenty30.com

📧 You can also email the show’s hosts with their first names (Lucien @TheTWENTY30.com) or (Hanaa @thetwenty30.com) or email Hosts @ TheTwenty30.com.

The TWENTY30 Podcast is a production of The TWENTY30 Media Group, LLC.